FOUR people have been arrested as part of a police operation cracking down on modern day slavery in Hampshire.

Officers raided four properties on Tuesday evening - one business and three homes in Beecham Road, Fawcett Road and Powerscourt Road in Portsmouth.

Two women, aged 23 and 26, and two men, aged 31 and 23, from Portsmouth were arrested and on suspicion of modern day slavery offences, possession of a class A substance and possession of criminal property.

Meanwhile, three women are being treated as victims and are being supported by specially trained officers. One of those women has been referred to the National Crime Agency as a victim using the national referral mechanism (NRM).

Detective Sergeant Simon Clifford, from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “This was a proactive intelligence-led operation, the investigation which now follows will be complex and involves colleagues from the National Crime Agency and UK Visas and Immigration.

“We have identified three vulnerable women who are working with our specially trained Amberstone team to ensure they have access to the support they need, one having agreed to an NRM referral.

“Information from the communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is key in identifying criminal activity connected to organised crime and modern day slavery. I would continue to encourage anyone who notices suspicious activity or a vulnerable person who seems to be working against their will to contact us.”

Anyone with information which could assist this current investigation is asked to contact the Eastern Serious and Organised Crime Unit quoting Operation Jetski on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.